67 million young people are unemployed and 257 million are not in work or training
The ILO says global youth unemployment was 12.4% in 2025, or 67 million young people, and 20% of young people (257 million) were not in employment, education or training.
How this affects people
The youth unemployment rate has barely moved from its 2023 low of 12.3%, but the NEET share, young people not in employment, education or training, rose from 19.7% to 20.0%, which is 9 million more young people since 2023.
The gap between regions is wide: youth unemployment is 26.2% in the Arab States and 22.6% in Northern Africa. Nearly nine in ten young workers in low and lower-middle income countries are employed informally.
Look at what keeps the problem going
- 01Lukewarm growth and an uncertain global environment
- 02Informal employment among young workers in lower-income countries
- 03Exposure of some young people's jobs to AI-related change
- 04Large regional gaps in job creation
What could happen next
The future leaves room for choices. Compare the outlooks, check what supports them and notice where the evidence becomes less certain
Unemployment holds near 12%
The ILO projects global youth unemployment to remain broadly stable at 12.3–12.4% between 2025 and 2027.
The future is not a timetable. These summaries reflect published scenarios and trends, with deeper uncertainty at longer horizons. Choices made now matter.
Where could a useful response begin?
Begin with a question you can investigate. Compare the sources and follow related briefings to see how the problem connects to other lives and places. This prototype does not accept proposals yet.
This preview does not accept proposals or create an account.